As the 49ers continue their quest for a stadium in Santa Clara, team officials have a message for the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce:

Let’s not do lunch.

The team has declined to participate in the chamber’s annual kickoff luncheon, pulling the plug on the event’s 26-year run.

“Our main reaction is disappointment,” said Carol Piasente, the chamber’s vice president of communications and events.

The decision comes after last year’s meal left some with a bitter aftertaste. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Sen. Dianne Feinstein spent part of the luncheon very adamantly – and the 49ers might say very awkwardly – rallying against the team’s proposed move south, with team owner John York sitting in the audience.

“It was supposed to be a kickoff luncheon. It turned into a political luncheon,” Lisa Lang, the team’s vice president of communications, said Wednesday. “We want whatever events we ask our players to do to be a positive experience.”

At one point, Feinstein directed the crowd in a chant telling the 49ers to stick around. “It may have made for an uncomfortable situation,” Piasente said.

The decision is a blow to the chamber of commerce, because the annual event had been a big moneymaker. The luncheon also raised money for the 49ers Foundation. But the 49ers called the chamber of commerce a few months ago to say they would not be coming back for seconds.

Lang said the team proposed a new event – something that involved players volunteering in the community – but the sides were unable to come up with a workable plan for 2008.

The 49ers remain members of the chambers of commerce in San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Jose.

• Arnaz Battle informed the team that he is ready to get back to work. The receiver called Coach Mike Nolan and said he will report to practice Monday.

Battle had surprised team officials by skipping the first week of organized team activities (OTAs) for undisclosed reasons.

Team spokesman Aaron Salkin said Wednesday that Battle “had some personal things to take care of” but will be back for the final eight days of OTAs.

• Tackle Barry Sims might be switching sides of the bay. The nine-year veteran, released by the Raiders at the start of free agency, will visit the 49ers on Monday as the sides continue to discuss what agent Ken Vierra called “a mutual interest.”

Sims, 33, has started 119 of 136 career games, including all 16 last season. The 49ers need depth at offensive line and Sims can play tackle on either side.

• Keena Turner, a former Pro Bowl linebacker for the 49ers, was hired as vice president of football affairs.

In an e-mail to the staff, team executive Jed York announced that Turner “will be in charge of all programs related to player well-being and success including counseling, faith-based and player development programs. As part of his role he will serve as an adviser to the coaching staff to help players reach their full potential.”

Turner, who won four Super Bowls with the 49ers in 1980-90 and made a Pro Bowl in 1984, also will work with the team’s alumni relations program.

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